The question whether electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations emitted by cellphone towers affect health and increase the risk of cancer is, however, still without concrete answers, say experts.

But the residents of Sarabha Nagar Block I are worried and concerned, and attribute the high incidence of cancer to electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations emitted by the cellphone towers.

“We have noticed over the years that people living in the houses nearest to the two cellphone towers have reported cancer cases among family members. Already, seven patients of cancer are there in seven houses and especially women. Moreover, three have already died in the recent past,” says SS Tuli, who has written a letter to the authorities expressing their concern.

Residents also cite six studies conducted in different countries to drive home their point.

A study conducted in Germany revealed that the proportion of newly developing cancer cases was significantly higher among patients who had lived during the past ten years at a distance of up to 400 metres from the cellular transmitter site.

Another study in Israel indicated that people within 350 metres of long established phone mast showed fourfold increased incidence of cancer compared with general population further from the mast. The risk was tenfold among women.

Dr Howard W Fisher, a Canada-based researcher who has authored books on the effects of electromagnetic radiations on human body told Newsline,” There is a relationship between the radiations emitted by cellphone towers and certain health risks. Though studies on the topic have been done, we need to explore it further. To prove it is going to be a long battle.”

Dr Rohit Joshi, Head of Department of Oncology at the Christian Medical College and Hospital, said, “It is a topic that is still being explored. But there is no study to prove it. I have read about a case where seven women working in a broadcasting network in Australia had died of cancer and it was suspected to be due to EMF radiations.”